A friend of mine just sent me a little note the other day. She said, "I was meeting with one of your former clients and he told all of us how you helped him." Obviously I was flattered but even more important than the nice feedback, this friend took the time to share it.

I want to tell you about this because this friend of mine is a special, silent, leader. She is in a senior role and she has influence. She doesn't have a lot of extra time. She takes the time to she give a little helping hand to many, many people. I know this because I do a great deal of work in her organization. I hear a lot of great stories and her name is often attached to them. Many people in the organization have similar experiences to to mine -- a little note, some helpful feedback, a "heads up" when you need it -- all from the same person. I call her the "silent" leader because she doesn't tell people about her little acts of kindness. To know, you have to ask like I do.

Why does she do it? I don't know. Not for the glory or the career advancement. I think she does it because she truly enjoys helping and is in a position to do so. What I know for certain is that she is having a great deal of positive impact on a large number of people. People are better because of her help. People are more motivated because of her help. People stay with the organization because of her help.

Do you have someone like this in your organization? I bet you do. Find them and thank them. They have more impact than anything else you do. Better yet, become a silent leader yourself.